CCP has launched an investigation for its Eve Online panel at its FanFest convention. The Alliance?Panel presenters were accused of mocking a suicidal player.
Kestrel, an Eve Online player, wrote to CCP and Eurogamer wanting to address the situation that he?witnessed happen.
The presentation, being carried out by one of the CSM council members and moderated by?a CCP employee, featured an in-game ?communication? between two of the Eve Online players?where, according to Kestrel, one of the players had made it obvious that he was, in-fact, suicidal and?showed signs of severe depression.
“When this communication was shown to the audience the presenter, along with part of the?audience of players and CCP representatives present all had a good laugh,” Kestrel said. “The?presenter went on to encourage other players of Eve Online to harass this player in the hope that he?would eventually be compelled to act on his suicidal thoughts.
“This player’s in-game contact information was provided. I found this section of the presentation to?be in extremely poor taste.”
In response to what was brought up, CCP issued a statement criticizing the ?abhorrent behaviour??that happened during this presentation and it is in its entirety below.
“I want to reassure you that CCP in no way condones the harassment of players, especially those?who suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts, as we understand the possible consequences of?such abhorrent behaviour,” CCP public relations and social media specialist Ned Coker said.
“Our Terms of Service (TOS), which can be found here, mirror our company’s stance on this matter.
“While the content of online interactions between players cannot realistically be gated within our?game worlds, we do take very seriously accusations of such behaviour between our players.
“Furthermore, we have a suicide hotline protocol which has, in specific cases, made a difference for?several unfortunately troubled players. We appreciate you voicing your concerns on this level, and?CCP will be very vigilant in monitoring any behaviour directed towards the individual named in the?presentation.
“We are undertaking a full internal review of this panel as well as the process used for vetting?the panel’s materials. Even though this panel was billed as unfiltered by CCP, we expect public?presentations to be courteous and professional towards others.”